Do you need a name for your company? Do you even need a company? I have a number of friends who simply operate as John Doe or John Doe, Computer Specialist. Just use John Doe on the contract and have checks made out to John Doe. It seems to work fine for them.
There may be legal reasons to have a corporation. Talk with your accountant and/or attorney about that.
You should have a name for what you are up to. It will help keep working separate from your personal life. It can be a name that just you and your family use: Dad's Company or Mom's Business. Don't call it a project. Projects, by definition have a beginning and a planned end. As a consultant you will have projects within what you do. Put the name on file labels and on plans and budgets and goals and your checkbook (not necessarily on the checks) just to keep things separate.
If you want a public name you can use John Q. Doe & Associates. Check in phone books in your area and on the Internet to be sure the name isn't already taken. You do not want to have to change names after you get the business established. Check with your local "newspaper of record" to find out what you have to do to register your name. The process usually involves posting your intention to use a name in a newspaper of record and they will be happy to assist you for a reasonable fee plus the cost of the advertising. If you use something other than just your own name, your bank may require the use of a registered name.
If you want to get creative, it will be more difficult. A lot of great names are already taken. If you come up with a new one you will probably have to defend it from somebody on the other side of the country who has been using the same name for years. If you get an overly descriptive name, it may limit your future activities e.g., John's Hospital Systems will help you tap that market but it will be difficult to branch out.
I just made up a name that was so unusual that it has avoided all problems. Our criteria and some history are at Our Name A couple of simple criteria: It should be easy to find in the phone book, i.e., the first word should use a common spelling. It should be something that works on the Internet, i.e., has a fairly short form that will be easy to remember, I was able to use just the initial letters, but that is becoming harder to do. You can check for available Internet domain names at WhoIs.net
Do not let the naming of your venture be a pacing item. You can get your first contract in your own name and then name the company later. On the other hand, a company name does provide some stature. Be creative, have fun, try out options with family and friends.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Resume
You have to have a resume. That's not news but what you need may be. Of course you need a printed resume you can mail or leave behind at job fairs or take with you to an interview. You also need an electronic version you can attach to emails or post on job boards. And, you probably want two versions: a functional version and a chronological version. If you do it right, that's only two versions because your electronic and printed version of the functional version and chronological version can be essentially the same. You may also need a Web version but we will cover that in another post.
A legacy resume is an historic document. It describes what you did in the past. What you really need is a document that tells employers what you can do in the future. But employers, particularly the gatekeepers, want to start with a resume. You have to start there.
That doesn't mean you have to start from the past. Start from the future. What do you want to do? What value does that bring to a prospective employer. This is the point where it gets even crazier. Look at most job descriptions and they will talk about skills -- what tools do you know how to use -- and personality -- outgoing, effective communicator, good negotiator, mentor, etc. What they really want to know is can you get the job done which is probably more a matter of how you approach a consulting assignment that either of these other metrics.
The bit about describing the tools you know is a matter of buzzword bingo. I'll come back to that in a minute. Have a section in your resume that says something like: competent in the use of (whatever the tools of your trade are.) The gatekeepers who are the first to review you resume will look for these.
As you begin your job search, pay attention to the personality skills employers mention. In my area communication is important. In my resume I list projects where communication is a key element in the project and I point that out. I also offer examples of written material. Find roles, projects, tasks, etc., that demonstrate that you have the personality skill. You can't just say, "I am a terrific communicator, negotiator, cold caller, whatever."
The meat of your resume is what you have done that is relevant to what the employer needs to have done. What do you want to do in the future. Your job is to describe yourself so that someone who has a need for somebody like you will recognize it immediately. I have two functional resumes. One continues my historic track. The second takes what I have done and rephrases it to show its value for my new track. Describe your experience so that the reader can say: the people I know what have done what I need have had similar experience. This person can get the job done.
If you submit your resume to a job board or recruiter it will probably be put in a computer where it will be searched for the buzzwords the hiring manager has used. About 80% of the time these are no-brainers. As an example: must be familiar with Microsoft Word or whatever the basic tools of your trade are. But there may be multiple ways to describe essentially the same thing: vendor, outsourcer, third party, contractor. And it gets even more complex when you add short phrases. I have have a three page resume -- the generally accepted maximum length. I have added a fourth page that has buzzwords that are variations on the terms in my resume including re-phrasing of phrases: vendor selection, selection of vendors. I then highlight that page and set the type to white. In a hard copy it now looks like an accidental blank page at the end of the resume. But, to the computer it just looks like a fourth page. The number of reviews of my resume jumped almost three time when I added that page. In an age of machines and people you have to do what people want and what machines want. This is not about what you want; it is about doing what you need to do (ethical and legal) that will get you a job.
If your resumes are in Microsoft Word you can print them, attache it to email, and submit it job boards. In the functional version play your long suits or special skills.
In your chronological version go back ten plus years to a good stopping point (change of employers or title.) Nobody cares much about what you did before then. If you have been in the same general area for more than 20 years, say "more than 20 years experience in ..." If you say you have been there for 50 years you immediately raise the question of just how old it this guy? Don't put dates on anything other than your dates of employment for the last 10 to 15 years. If you participate in any sport that can demonstrate fitness, figure out a way to mention it. Employers are not supposed to discriminate but avoid the issue. They are really hiring you for what you can do. Don't lie. If you have been in a line of business for 30 years it is true that you have more than 20 years experience.
Be prepare to re-write your resume as your learn what employers are looking for.
A legacy resume is an historic document. It describes what you did in the past. What you really need is a document that tells employers what you can do in the future. But employers, particularly the gatekeepers, want to start with a resume. You have to start there.
That doesn't mean you have to start from the past. Start from the future. What do you want to do? What value does that bring to a prospective employer. This is the point where it gets even crazier. Look at most job descriptions and they will talk about skills -- what tools do you know how to use -- and personality -- outgoing, effective communicator, good negotiator, mentor, etc. What they really want to know is can you get the job done which is probably more a matter of how you approach a consulting assignment that either of these other metrics.
The bit about describing the tools you know is a matter of buzzword bingo. I'll come back to that in a minute. Have a section in your resume that says something like: competent in the use of (whatever the tools of your trade are.) The gatekeepers who are the first to review you resume will look for these.
As you begin your job search, pay attention to the personality skills employers mention. In my area communication is important. In my resume I list projects where communication is a key element in the project and I point that out. I also offer examples of written material. Find roles, projects, tasks, etc., that demonstrate that you have the personality skill. You can't just say, "I am a terrific communicator, negotiator, cold caller, whatever."
The meat of your resume is what you have done that is relevant to what the employer needs to have done. What do you want to do in the future. Your job is to describe yourself so that someone who has a need for somebody like you will recognize it immediately. I have two functional resumes. One continues my historic track. The second takes what I have done and rephrases it to show its value for my new track. Describe your experience so that the reader can say: the people I know what have done what I need have had similar experience. This person can get the job done.
If you submit your resume to a job board or recruiter it will probably be put in a computer where it will be searched for the buzzwords the hiring manager has used. About 80% of the time these are no-brainers. As an example: must be familiar with Microsoft Word or whatever the basic tools of your trade are. But there may be multiple ways to describe essentially the same thing: vendor, outsourcer, third party, contractor. And it gets even more complex when you add short phrases. I have have a three page resume -- the generally accepted maximum length. I have added a fourth page that has buzzwords that are variations on the terms in my resume including re-phrasing of phrases: vendor selection, selection of vendors. I then highlight that page and set the type to white. In a hard copy it now looks like an accidental blank page at the end of the resume. But, to the computer it just looks like a fourth page. The number of reviews of my resume jumped almost three time when I added that page. In an age of machines and people you have to do what people want and what machines want. This is not about what you want; it is about doing what you need to do (ethical and legal) that will get you a job.
If your resumes are in Microsoft Word you can print them, attache it to email, and submit it job boards. In the functional version play your long suits or special skills.
In your chronological version go back ten plus years to a good stopping point (change of employers or title.) Nobody cares much about what you did before then. If you have been in the same general area for more than 20 years, say "more than 20 years experience in ..." If you say you have been there for 50 years you immediately raise the question of just how old it this guy? Don't put dates on anything other than your dates of employment for the last 10 to 15 years. If you participate in any sport that can demonstrate fitness, figure out a way to mention it. Employers are not supposed to discriminate but avoid the issue. They are really hiring you for what you can do. Don't lie. If you have been in a line of business for 30 years it is true that you have more than 20 years experience.
Be prepare to re-write your resume as your learn what employers are looking for.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Network, network, network ...
Probably the most difficult part of being an independent consultant is managing the need to develop new business while taking care of current customers. An element of almost any approach you take has to be networking.
You are going to want to take advantage of all of your existing networks, cultivate those that offer the best prospects, and look for new networks. That used to mean pretty much the people you had worked with and organizations you already belong too. Today social relationships are changing and there are opportunities you should add to your mix.
In any networking environment you have to be ready to say what you do. It is often called an elevator speech which means you can deliver it during a normal elevator ride and spark enough interest that you generate future opportunities for yourself. Google elevator speech or or click here The best way to develop it is to get one and then use it and see how people react.
A network works two ways. You are looking to get something but you should also be willing to contribute. In fact contribution is a great way to demonstrate what you know and, in some cases, how well you get things done.
If you are reading this on a computer you have what you need to network online. Definitely join Linkedin.com. Look around and see what others say about themselves. Make no apologies. Present yourself in a positive light. See if your friends are already members. Figure out what you would like to have them say as a recommendation and ask them to do that. Offer to write a draft for them so you can highlight what needs to be said about you. You can describe your history. You want them to say things about you that you can't say yourself. "Tom is a great guy to work with and always contributes to getting problems solved quickly," You get the idea. All this is free.
Find groups on Linkedin you can join to build your list of connections. Look at the questions that are being asked by members and the responses they are getting. If you see something related to your skills and experience write an answer. Contribute back to the network.
Consider joining Facebook Until recently it was just for college kids but they are graduating into corporations and the corporations are following them to Facebook. Even the highly respected McKinsey and Company now is in Facebook. I have found several friends I would never expected to find there. Check out the groups. If there is something you can participate in, join the group.
Find local breakfast groups, luncheon groups, evening groups you can join. Most will be happy to have your join them for a time or two without formally joining. Look for groups where the other members have similar job interests to yours. You are trying to learn where job opportunities may be and how to make contact with the right people. Do this carefully. Some groups are open to announcements that you are looking for a job; others are not. Watch others and see what is appropriate.
Take business cards where ever you go. Put one or two in you wallet and refresh them frequently. No dog ears or marks on them. Unless you know what you want to say, get some relatively inexpensive cards and get more when you have a better format. I print mine on quality card stock in my computer printer and hand cut them.
You are going to want to take advantage of all of your existing networks, cultivate those that offer the best prospects, and look for new networks. That used to mean pretty much the people you had worked with and organizations you already belong too. Today social relationships are changing and there are opportunities you should add to your mix.
In any networking environment you have to be ready to say what you do. It is often called an elevator speech which means you can deliver it during a normal elevator ride and spark enough interest that you generate future opportunities for yourself. Google elevator speech or or click here The best way to develop it is to get one and then use it and see how people react.
A network works two ways. You are looking to get something but you should also be willing to contribute. In fact contribution is a great way to demonstrate what you know and, in some cases, how well you get things done.
If you are reading this on a computer you have what you need to network online. Definitely join Linkedin.com. Look around and see what others say about themselves. Make no apologies. Present yourself in a positive light. See if your friends are already members. Figure out what you would like to have them say as a recommendation and ask them to do that. Offer to write a draft for them so you can highlight what needs to be said about you. You can describe your history. You want them to say things about you that you can't say yourself. "Tom is a great guy to work with and always contributes to getting problems solved quickly," You get the idea. All this is free.
Find groups on Linkedin you can join to build your list of connections. Look at the questions that are being asked by members and the responses they are getting. If you see something related to your skills and experience write an answer. Contribute back to the network.
Consider joining Facebook Until recently it was just for college kids but they are graduating into corporations and the corporations are following them to Facebook. Even the highly respected McKinsey and Company now is in Facebook. I have found several friends I would never expected to find there. Check out the groups. If there is something you can participate in, join the group.
Find local breakfast groups, luncheon groups, evening groups you can join. Most will be happy to have your join them for a time or two without formally joining. Look for groups where the other members have similar job interests to yours. You are trying to learn where job opportunities may be and how to make contact with the right people. Do this carefully. Some groups are open to announcements that you are looking for a job; others are not. Watch others and see what is appropriate.
Take business cards where ever you go. Put one or two in you wallet and refresh them frequently. No dog ears or marks on them. Unless you know what you want to say, get some relatively inexpensive cards and get more when you have a better format. I print mine on quality card stock in my computer printer and hand cut them.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Introduction
I have been a management consultant for more than 20 years. About 80% of my assignments have been sub-contracts and rest have been self generated. My best prime contractor retired last year so finding projects is now more important than ever. The market is changing and I have learned some things. This blog is my place to share them.
The target audience for this blog is people at or above 55 years of age who are looking for jobs that pay $55 dollars an hour or more: north of 55. There are certainly other types of jobs out there, that's just not my area of expertise. A second target audience is recruiters and corporations looking to hire people in this category.
You may be in the target audience by choice or circumstances, you may be just 55 or well north of it already drawing social security and medicare. You may be looking for a job because you need it or because you find working rewarding. You may be looking for full time, part time or intermittent -- work a while and then travel a while. You may be new to contracting or an old hand at it. Welcome.
This is a blog which mean you are encouraged to comment on what is posted, add to it, disagree with it, share things that the author and others may find useful. There is a comment field at the end of ever post.
The target audience for this blog is people at or above 55 years of age who are looking for jobs that pay $55 dollars an hour or more: north of 55. There are certainly other types of jobs out there, that's just not my area of expertise. A second target audience is recruiters and corporations looking to hire people in this category.
You may be in the target audience by choice or circumstances, you may be just 55 or well north of it already drawing social security and medicare. You may be looking for a job because you need it or because you find working rewarding. You may be looking for full time, part time or intermittent -- work a while and then travel a while. You may be new to contracting or an old hand at it. Welcome.
This is a blog which mean you are encouraged to comment on what is posted, add to it, disagree with it, share things that the author and others may find useful. There is a comment field at the end of ever post.
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